Natural Disaster

Earthquake

Indoors

In modern buildings, falling down, or being struck by falling objects causes most earthquake-related injuries. DROP, COVER and HOLD ON immediately.

STAY INDOORS, do not exit building or use elevators.

STAY AWAY from all windows and large glass objects.

AVOID being underneath heavier objects such as lights, wall hangings and other items which may fall.

HELP DIRECT people with special needs to a safe place, if necessary.

Wheelchair-bound individuals should lock brakes.

Outdoors

Move to an area AWAY FROM trees, power lines, buildings and walls.

DROP TO KNEES and get into a fetal position, close your eyes and cross your arms over the back of your neck for protection.

REMAIN in position until shaking has stopped.

When aftershocks stop:

DO NOT USE cell phones, EXCEPT to report serious injuries.

ASSIST in the building evacuation of people with special needs, if safe to do so.

TUNE radios to an emergency broadcast or local radio stations for news updates and instructions.

BE PREPARED to evacuate if instructed to do so. (The decision to evacuate from campus will be based upon the severity of the earthquake and damage to buildings).

The university will provide instructions for immediate actions by available means.

IF INSTRUCTED to evacuate, see “EVACUATION” section of this guide.

DO NOT ENTER any building that is deemed or looks UNSAFE.

Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado

All lightning can be deadly. When you hear thunder or see lightning, GO INDOORS. In addition to potentially deadly lightning, a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM also has wind greater than 58 mph (50 knots), hail 1” or larger, and/or a tornado.

A WATCH means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather in the watch area. Pay attention to broadcasts, and prepare to take action.

A WARNING is an URGENT announcement that hazardous weather is occurring, or is imminent. Take immediate action to protect life and property!

Indoors

STAY INDOORS, do not exit building or use elevators. You could be trapped in them if power is lost. Locate an interior room.

HELP DIRECT people with special needs to a safe place, if necessary.

REMAIN INSIDE until 30 minutes after the last thunder.

In the event of a TORNADO WARNING, or if a funnel cloud is reported:

GO directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building, corners or building support columns are best. Avoid middle of interior walls.

STAY AWAY from all windows and large glass objects.

CROUCH DOWN and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly.

AVOID being underneath heavier objects such as lights, wall hangings and other items, which may fall.

REMAIN INSIDE until tornado has passed or cleared to leave.

Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or nearby fuel tanks.

HELP DIRECT people with special needs to a safe place, if necessary.

IF INSTRUCTED to evacuate, see “EVACUATION” section of this guide.

Outdoors

MOVE AWAY from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines.

SEEK the lowest possible ground, i.e. ditch, small trench. Lying flat in a ditch or low-lying area may be the only thing available. Note: Never enter an open trench where a cave in or flooding may be possible.

STAY AWAY from power lines and puddles with wires in them, they may be “live”.

DO NOT USE matches or lighters, in case of leaking gas pipes or fuel tanks.

REMAIN in position until “noise and high winds” have stopped.

DO NOT ENTER any building that is deemed or looks UNSAFE.

Hail

SEEK protective shelter immediately.

REMAIN indoors or under protective shelter until hail has stopped, usually 5-10 minutes.

Lightning

If you hear thunder:

SEEK protective shelter immediately.

If OUTDOORS, DO NOT STAND underneath tall isolated objects. Avoid projecting above the surrounding landscape. Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. Avoid open areas and SEEK LOW AREAS such as a ravine or valley.

GET OFF or AWAY from OPEN WATER as well as metal equipment or small metal vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts, etc. Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes and rails. If you are in a group in the open, spread out, keeping people several yards apart.

REMEMBER—lightning may strike some miles from the parent cloud. If you feel your hair stand on end, lightning may be about to strike you. DROP TO YOUR KNEES and BEND FORWARD, putting your hands on your knees. DO NOT LIE FLAT on the ground.

Hurricane

Unlike other natural disasters, a hurricane is usually preceded by hours or days of fore notice and warning, allowing you to prepare.

Before the Hurricane

Stay informed. Pay attention to announcements from university administrators, and visit www.hurricanes.gov for hurricane information.

Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

Suspend or shut down laboratory experiments. All chemicals used in an active experiment should be closed and returned to their normal storage location such as flammable storage cabinet, ventilated cabinet, refrigerator, or hazardous waste storage area.

Shut down and unplug computers and sensitive equipment.

In flood prone areas (basements), move valuable items and documents to table tops, away from windows, to prevent damage in the event of local flooding.

MINIMIZE TRAVEL. Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. Travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts. Let someone know travel destination, travel route, and expected time of arrival at travel destination.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

In case of emergency call 617.627.6911 (x66911 from a campus phone). Fire on the Boston health sciences and SMFA campuses call 911. Visit the University Police website for a complete list of campus-specific phone numbers.

Remember

DO NOT use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or nearby fuel tanks.

Crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are good places to take shelter.
DO help direct people with special needs to a safe place.

Stay indoors, do not exit building or use elevators.

Stay away from all windows and avoid being underneath heavy objects that may fall.

Remain calm and alert; listen for information and instructions from emergency crews and/or local officials.